Saving water
Drinking water is scarce and costly to produce in a Sahelian country. Here are practical ways to waste less, find leaks and protect the resource.
Every day
Saving water at home
Simple habits that cost you no comfort.
Kitchen
- Wash dishes in a basin rather than under a running tap.
- Reuse water from rinsing vegetables to water plants.
- Turn the tap off between uses.
Bathroom
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or soaping.
- Take short showers or use a bucket.
- Check that the toilet cistern is not running constantly.
Outdoors
- Water early in the morning or in the evening to limit evaporation.
- Wash the car with a bucket rather than a hose.
- Cover tanks and basins.
Leaks
Find a leak using your meter
A hidden leak can push up your bill. The meter test finds it overnight.
Check these first
- Running toilet cisterns
- Dripping taps
- Badly adjusted tank floats
- Buried pipes or damp joints
- 1
In the evening
Close every tap and stop using water. Write down the meter reading.
- 2
In the morning
Before using any water, read the meter again.
- 3
Compare
If the reading has changed, there is a leak after the meter, in your own plumbing.
- 4
Act
Have a plumber repair your indoor plumbing.
A leak in the street?
A leaking pipe in the street wastes water meant for a whole neighbourhood. Report it straight away on the toll-free number.
Give the town, the neighbourhood and a nearby landmark.
Resource
Protecting water resources
City water comes from the Senegal River and from aquifers. Everyone can help protect them.
Avoid pollution
Do not pour oil, fuel or chemicals into drains or onto the ground.
Respect the network
Unauthorised connections damage pipes and increase the risk of contamination.
Save at peak times
During heatwaves, using less water helps supply reach every neighbourhood.
What SNDE does
Securing and diversifying resources
Major supply schemes aim to ease pressure on aquifers and serve the cities better.
River water for Nouakchott
Since Aftout Es-Saheli entered service at the end of 2010, the capital has been supplied with Senegal River water alongside groundwater.
Idini aquifer
For a long time Nouakchott’s main source, the Idini wellfield has been relieved by the arrival of river water.
Loss-reduction and awareness programmes
Environmental initiatives, network rehabilitation and campaigns run by SNDE.
Need help?
Customer service can answer your questions about your subscription, your bills and water supply.